ANN/THE NATION – A female colonel and a physician were arrested on Wednesday for their central role in a drug corruption scheme at the Veterans General Hospital in Bangkok, causing an estimated financial loss of THB80 million.
According to the Central Investigation Bureau, police raided 18 locations in Bangkok, Lopburi, and Chonburi to crack down on those involved in the fraud.
Colonel identified as Kanyarat (surname withheld) was arrested at her residence in Bangkok’s Kiakkai neighbourhood. She faces charges of misconduct, embezzlement, and falsifying documents.
Meanwhile, a physician at the Veterans General Hospital, identified as Brinda (surname withheld), was arrested at her residence in the Ladprao 71 area.
Both suspects were brought to the Anti-Corruption Division in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district for interrogation. The arrests followed a complaint by hospital director General Dechnitit Leungngamkham, who reported that the fraudulent activities had been occurring since 2018.
Kanyarat led the operation, coordinating a scheme in which individuals were arranged to visit Brinda under the guise of receiving medical treatment. Brinda then prescribed medications — frequently in excess of what was required.
These surplus drugs were later resold to clinics and pharmacies, with the earnings shared among those involved.
Financial investigations from 2018 to 2025 revealed that over THB40 million had been transferred into Kanyarat’s account. The estimated total financial damage from the scheme stands at approximately THB80 million.
